William Morris

William Richard "Bill" Morris, Colonel (RET.) 81, passed away peacefully at Casa de la Luz Hospice in Tucson, Arizona, on October 2, 2011, surrounded by his family. The first of two children, Bill was born in Greeley, Colorado on January 31, 1930, to Florence (Shrewsbury) Morris and Silas Morris. His beloved sister, Lucille Allen, passed away all too young in 1972. A special memory for Bill was the "jitter bugging" contests he and his sister won as teenage dance partners. His career with the Colorado Air National Guard and United States Air Force spanned 43 years. Enlisting as a young airman he worked diligently to attain the rank of Colonel, subsequently retiring in January, 1990. Over the years he played an active roll in the Lions Club and the Air Force Association. Bill and his beloved wife, Cherie moved to Dickinson, North Dakota in 1988 to love and care for Cherie's mother, Agnes, who was stricken with ALS. They were by her side for the final two years of her life. While in Dickinson Bill took pride in working as a Weather Observer for the FAA. Bill and Cherie have been married 43 wonderful years. They moved from North Dakota to Tucson in 2001 and have since lived happily along with their precious Schnauzers. Bill is survived by his dear wife, Cherie; six children, 12 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, October 6, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel. Services will be held on Friday, October 7, 2011 also at the Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 8:00 a.m. with Funeral Service at 9:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest the same day at the Southern Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casa de la Luz Hospice, 400 West Magee Road, Tucson, AZ 85704.